Bidding wraps up soon for this 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider that is going cheap at the moment, thanks to it being listed with no reserve. The listing doesn’t answer many questions, but it is said to run and drive with no issues related to the engine or transmission. The color is one that I can’t recall seeing on a Spider all that frequently, to the point that I wonder if it’s a non-factory repaint – but there’s enough evidence on Google that more than one Spider wore this mint-green paint, so perhaps it’s original. It’s a great look, and you’ll find the Alfa here on eBay with bids to $2,800 and located in Palm Bay, Florida.
I can never tell from afar if a car wears a sloppy repaint, as some models even left the factory with the license plate bracket painted to match the body. In this case, what’s more confusing is why the tail panel isn’t black and there’s no integrated rear spoiler resting on the trunk lid. It seems to me that every 1983 Spider came with that semi-iconic blacked-out panel and a lip spoiler that flowed out of the flat-black paint job. I would even argue the Alfa looks quite naked without it, as those styling elements helped offset the ugly U.S. safety bumpers. I hope our Alfa enthusiast readers will tell me if I’m wrong.
Whenever I see an Alfa interior of this vintage, I’m reminded of one of my biggest regrets from my salvage yard exploits: I found a GTV6 in a junkyard that had long since moved on to newer inventory. Beautiful blue leather Recaro interior, wood-rimmed steering wheel, the works. I didn’t grab the parts because the price was $50 higher than my max. In retrospect, what I could have sold them for would have more than made up for the purchase price. Oh well – this Spider may be a perfect candidate for parts like those, as I suspect the original wood wheel has split and the seats could use bigger bolsters.
The under-hood shot doesn’t create any cause for alarm, except for one small detail: I don’t believe the hood buffers should be painted body color, as other photos of restored Spiders show those stoppers as being flat black plastic in color – more evidence of a quick respray. The seller doesn’t provide any info on recent maintenance performed or whether the Alfa can make a long-distance drive without issue. Of course, driving an older, Italian car without a mechanic or plenty of spare parts and other resources on board is inherently risky, so decide if you want to live dangerously by bidding on this cheap Alfa.
Well hello the newer Mrs Robinson.(daughter ) .would you like a ride in my convertible? I am okay with older ladies and if you have an elder daughter too 👀🤪
Ever wonder how PC that movie is today with the mother daughter angle?
Since the other convertible was a 1967 graduate version in 67 now it would be the daughter as the elder 😆🤪😉😏
Not a fan of the color but a nice car 😉👀
And I had planned on going all day without thinking of Dustin Hoffman. Thanks…
On the car, where IS that spoiler? It needs it.
The 82 MY was the first Motronic style Fuel Injection and these first gen Motronics are finicky and not easy for a non skilled mechanic. The 2nd gen came in around 85 and was more reliable.
AIR, some parts may be unique to Alfa therefore might be harder to source. Not sure but there are firms out there that rework and reflow circuit boards so that route, while never cheap is still a good way to keep these on the road
L-jetronic from 82 to 89
Motronic came out in 1990.
Nitpicky yes I know.
Oh and parts are common, even a BMW ecu will work but getting them rebuilt is not a problem
Biggest issue with the EFI was poor grounds. They require at least 10volts to the ECU when cranking. Otherwise no spark. Many a techs. have been fooled by this.
Appears to have had a color change. Why else would one paint the door jambs and under-hood/top of fender and rubber stops?
I had a red 83 Spider Veloce. Drove it from East TN. to Tampa… almost sold it once I arrived but decided to just recover for a few days (terrible lower back and hip pains from driving it that long.) Fun cars to play with but they do require some attention/pampering.
My guess is the “quickie respray” theory is correct. In addition to the missing spoiler and the copious overspray, the color seems a bit brighter than others painted this hue.
Repaint and apparently someone didn’t understand the use of taping areas off or just to lazy and sprayed everything! The thing I found about the fuel injection is if the air hose came just a bit loose from the air flow meter the car would not start! When I sold these new it was rather common to get to the customers home and remove and reinstall and voila fired up! Could be a fun car but definitely would suggest a in person inspection before bidding as many little points to look over and if the repaint is any indication whoever had this doesn’t pay attention to the small details that make these cars go!
First year of the series 3 Spiders, still with the “double barrel” instrumentation pods. The least expensive of all 105/115 chassis spiders. Could be a fun car, rust inspection is a must. Forget A/C, sapped too much of already precious horses. Does look a bit “naked” without the decklid spoiler and quarter panel spoiler extensions but the original set up didn’t do the appearance much favors either. Best application is the Zender low profile spoiler kit that really complements the “flow”.
A good candidate for Bringamagnet.com
Looks like most of the nameplates and emblems are missing, too. Definitely a quickie re-spray which does nothing to enhance the car.
Ended: Feb 24, 2020 , 4:47PM
Winning bid:US $3,350.00
[ 17 bids ]
Looks like someone got a good deal.